genuine rs: how do you tell?

[cambee]

Hey all

Just wondering, I am lookin at / test driving some liberty's, how do you tell if they are genuine RS models (as opposed to gx converts)?
cheers

cambz

[Raz]

Check the build plates in the engine bay and give a subaru dealer a call and quote that number.
Also...RS has 260 speedo...7000 redline tacho...MOMO steering wheel...EJ20G motor...LSD rear diff...BLACK water to air intercooler (alot of import engines has silver ones)...

I think there is some info in TECH FAQ that you can use

[subarursliberty]

There was a post not to long ago about this. I gave the meaning of the VIN. But generally what was mentioned above should give it away.

I never had the problem when I bought mine but with the amount of fake ones out there trying to be passed as RS its a good question to be asking esp if you have never really looked at the real deal before.

[Geach]

JF2BF5 are the first digits of an RS wagon
vented rear rotors are also something to check

[cruisEH]

as is the height of the radiator. RS has inch higher radiator, and no radiator cap on the radiator. they could change the support panel, but thats major work.

[thomas]

Also alot of conversions dont have side and rear skirts as they are generally very hard to come across a complete set. Plus also the circle fog lights front bar, but i guess alot of conversion would have them too. But also the interior colour ,they came in a black/grey only, and are a different material than the navy or grey GX/LX interior.

[RSTurbo]

from my experience, GX conversions often have the spoiler with the centre pillar...which the RS doesnt have. that is a dead giveaway, but there are plenty of little things you can look for.

[Raz]

this is prolly getting beyond the realms of possibility when checkin a car over but also an RS will have a VF12 while its more likely the the conversion will have a VF10...assuming the orig turbo is used

[SubbyRS]

this is prolly getting beyond the realms of possibility when checkin a car over but also an RS will have a VF12 while its more likely the the conversion will have a VF10...assuming the orig turbo is used
VF10 was used on Legacy GT with auto tranny, if it's a manual Legacy it'll have a VF8 turbo.

[gramps_RS]

the seats in the rs are more buckety arent they, opposed to stock gx ones? Although likely to be replaced in a conversion, thought id mention it anyway. Am i right with this.

[subarursliberty]

There are only 2 types of seats in an RS leather and fabric. The fabric is pink, blue & grey checker patern with the rest being black. This goes for the doors as well the leather has the same patern as what the fabric one got.

The only thing I have seen that would have pasted as an RS was Kurupts old weapon which I seen early this week forsale on Ebay.

[SC00BS]

This question has been done to death

[Rallyeee]

CruisEH's suggestion would have to be the best. The bottom radiator support is not something many people would modify with a conversion because you have to cut a structural part of the body. It's easy to fit the full body kit and interior and stuff but I assume there'd be a fair bit of stuffing around lowering that support.

Also did all RSs come with that little vinyl on the back door saying "16 valve intercooled 4 cam turbo" or whatever it is. I doubt many people would bother putting that on.

[Raynman]

Not all RS came with the stickers

[RSTurbo]

matt, are you sure about that? I think you will find all genuine oz delievered RS's came with that sticker along the back door.
...and Rallyeee, if i was checking out a suspect RS, one of the first things i would look at is that it had all the RS stickers in the right places. so if i was doing a conversion, i would definately bother putting that sticker on. Its an RS trademark!

[Raz]

also remember that the boot RSTURBO sticker could be on either side depending on model year and fitment of ABS.

[vaccine]

dont frget to check the compliance plates!
has the engine number on it.
EJ22 = conversion.
EJ20 = RS
also cross refrence VIN number con plate and cross reference with number stamped on body ;)